This bill would remove the option for voters to cast a straight party ticket, which allows a single mark on a ballot to select all candidates from one political party for various offices. It directly affects all voters in Alabama by changing how ballots are designed and how votes can be cast during elections. The legislation prohibits ballot features that enable straight party voting and repeals existing state code sections that outline procedures for this type of voting. Additionally, the bill amends requirements for electronic voting systems to remove provisions that allow voters to select a straight party ticket in one operation. These changes would take effect on January 1, 2027.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Alabama public K-12 schools to broadcast or sanction the performance of the first stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner at least once per week during school hours. Local school boards would be responsible for adopting policies to implement this requirement, with options to use archived recordings from the Library of Congress or have school-sanctioned groups perform the anthem from original sheet music. The measure would become part of the state constitution if approved by a majority of voters in a special election.
This bill is a resolution honoring Betty Louise Sigler, a retired educator from Mobile, Alabama, who passed away on March 1, 2026. It formally records the House of Representatives' sadness over her death and offers tribute to her life as a teacher, mother, and community member. The resolution acknowledges her contributions to education and her personal legacy, while extending sympathy to her surviving family members. No new laws or policies are established by this measure.
This special order calendar resolution establishes the priority agenda for the nineteenth legislative day of the Alabama Senate, allowing specific bills to be considered before regular business. The measure directly affects the legislative process by setting a predetermined order for debating and voting on eight distinct pieces of legislation. Key provisions include HB156 on physician assistant licensure, HB277 regarding oyster aquaculture, HB42 on motor vehicle reporting, HB214 on foreign campaign contributions, SB261 on child custody modifications, HB163 on property insurance financing, and HB138 on school bus driver employment. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 5, 2026, through a roll call vote.
This bill allows Class 2 municipalities in Alabama to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption on Sundays starting at 10:00 a.m. The change applies specifically to municipalities designated as Class 2 and expands existing Sunday sales regulations that currently may restrict such sales. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and does not alter any other existing alcohol sale rules. Local governments in these municipalities would implement this change through their own regulations within the new framework.
SB 261 establishes a new standard for modifying child custody orders in Alabama, requiring courts to find both a material change in circumstances and that the modification is in the child's best interest. It replaces common law rules with a two-part test and specifies 10 factors courts must consider, including the child's emotional/physical needs, parental capacity to meet those needs, stability of home environments, and evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse. The law applies to all custody arrangements (sole, primary, or joint) and explicitly prohibits requiring parents to prove modifications outweigh environmental disruption. This bill directly affects parents seeking custody changes and courts handling such cases, effective October 1, 2026.
HB 419 changes where service contract provider registration fees are deposited. Currently, these fees (paid annually by companies selling repair/maintenance contracts) go to the Service Contract Revolving Fund. This bill redirects all such fees to the Special Examination Revolving Fund instead, while clarifying that fee adjustments must follow Consumer Price Index changes. It also requires any leftover funds in the old Service Contract Fund to be transferred to the new Special Examination Fund. These changes affect service contract providers registered with Alabama's Insurance Commissioner.
HB 452 extends and increases a state tax credit for owners of certified historic properties who make qualified rehabilitation improvements. It directly affects property owners and developers working on historic buildings that meet state certification standards. The bill raises the annual credit amount and increases the total funding cap from $20 million to $300 million per year for this program. This change allows more property owners to claim the credit while expanding the state's annual investment in historic preservation.
HB 482 targets theft of specific metals by requiring recyclers to verify sellers' credentials when purchasing certain items like copper HVAC coils or utility components. It mandates that recyclers obtain a valid license number from sellers (e.g., HVAC contractors) or documented proof of replacement (e.g., receipts) for these metals. The bill also prohibits possession of stolen items like utility covers, street signs, or metal beer kegs unless sold by manufacturers. Violations carry enhanced penalties, including mandatory prison terms for Class B felonies if theft causes public safety risks or service disruptions.
HB 437 modifies Alabama's parole violation procedures. It requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to revoke parole and send individuals to prison for violations involving violent crimes, sex offenses, firearm possession, or aggravated theft. For other violations, the board may choose to impose up to 45 days in a specialized facility or county jail instead of revoking parole, considering the "totality of circumstances." The bill also creates a new Parole Revocation Hearing Officer position and allows parole officers to impose short-term sanctions like GPS monitoring or treatment. This directly affects parolees who violate their release terms.
HB 438 reinstates a check-off option on Alabama income tax returns for donations to Victims of Crime and Leniency, Inc. (VOCAL), which provides support to crime victims. It also removes check-off options for organizations whose contributions were previously rescinded and consolidates all remaining tax check-off provisions into a single section of law. Alabama residents who file state income tax returns can select this check-off to direct a portion of their refund to VOCAL or other designated programs. The bill updates the tax code to reflect current check-off recipients and removes outdated provisions.
HB 442 updates Escambia County's rules for collecting cigarette and beer taxes. It allows the county to hire inspectors (up to $450/month for general tax enforcement, $500/month for beer tax) with reimbursement from tax funds, while repealing a 1953 beer tax law. The bill directly affects Escambia County officials (Commission, judge of probate) and businesses selling taxed products. Key changes clarify tax collection procedures, set budget limits for enforcement staff, and remove outdated provisions. It takes effect October 1, 2026.
